Delhi's New Excise Policy to Make Premium Liquor Available at All Stores

A new excise policy for Delhi is on the horizon, with its draft expected to be completed within a month. According to Delhi government sources, the blueprint for this policy is nearly finalized following extensive stakeholder consultations conducted by a high-level committee headed by Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma.

One of the key developments emerging from these discussions is the plan to make premium liquor brands available across all liquor outlets throughout the city. Currently, these high-end brands are only sold at select locations, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and significant revenue shortfalls.

"We aim to bring Delhi's liquor market in line with the National Capital Region regarding premium liquor availability and pricing," revealed a source, noting that this initiative should help prevent revenue leakage and reduce the tendency of customers to shop in Gurgaon and Noida instead.

The committee also explored potentially lowering the legal drinking age for beer consumption, though officials familiar with the discussions confirmed that no agreement was reached on this particular proposal.

The Delhi government has already extended the existing excise policy until March 31, 2026, ensuring stability until the new framework is officially implemented.

The liquor trade in the capital has experienced considerable policy fluctuations over recent years, with multiple changes affecting pricing structures, distribution networks, and retail operations. Sources indicated that the upcoming draft policy aims to address gaps in revenue collection and enhance consumer access while taking industry concerns into consideration.